EXTERIOR
Designed by the legendary Pininfarina, the Peugeot 404 Cabriolet is work of automotive art and is regarded as one of the most beautiful cars of all time, even now ,55 years after first introduction in 1963. This 1968 example, built in the final year of production, is finished in stunning Silver Blue with matching hard top and black mohair hood. The paintwork having been restored from the original silver is beautifully polished to accentuate the chic, graceful lines of this four-seat drop top. The stainless-steel bumpers and other chrome trim are in very good order, and the original ornate door handles show only light pitting. Original Marchal headlamps and Cibie driving lamps remain fitted, and the delightful red/white side repeaters are correct for a 1968 car. A new expensive mohair hood has been fitted and the original hard top remains with the car, which has been stored separately and will require refurbishment in order to match the condition of the car. A very rare genuine RHD example and breath takingly attractive.

INTERIOR
The black leatherette interior fitted to this Super Luxe model is in superb order having been subject to a full retrim. Matching door cards are in excellent order with only minor aging apparent to some interior trim such as the internal door handles, and the black carpeting is clean and fully intact. The stylish fascia with colour coded painted facings and padded top is fashionable and functional in equal measures, with a Pininfarina badge and emblem proudly displayed. The ornate steering wheel with twin spoke and horn ring remains in superb order. A period Radiomobile unit is fitted but not connected. A wonderful original touch is the running in ‘Pendant Le Rodage’ windscreen sticker! A super-sophisticated interior with an abundance of French chic, even down to the beautifully machined Peugeot seat belt clasps.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Displacing 1618cc, the over-square, 4 cylinder in-line engine with Kugelfischer injection pump produces 96bhp and achieves a quoted 100mph top speed. The fuel injection system has recently been overhauled with accompanying paperwork. The engine bay is very clean and displays factory plates, stickers and panel stampings to the original front wings. The four-speed fully-synchromesh gearbox with column change is effortless and charmingly nostalgic to use, coupled with the superb performing engine, this car is a sheer joy to drive.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The original steel wheels remain dressed in the correct eight-hole Super-Luxe stainless steel hub caps which remain in excellent order with only slight age-related wear. All four tyres are matching, period style ands very expensive Michelin XAV 165 HR 15 items which were brand new in 2013 at a cost of £656.64! The boot area houses the original tool kit and full-size spare which still has the original cover and is fixed on top of the rubber matting. Thermostable power-assisted brakes feature a Hydrovac servo unit and Ferodo linings to offer very rapid stopping power, amazing for a 1968 car.

HISTORY FILE
Registered new on 29th August 1968, this example is one of just 79 RHD examples sold in the UK and one of just 12 of the later specification cars. The Peugeot 404 Club Registry have 10 remaining cars registered, chassis number 6803095 being one known them. Supplied new by DP Automobiles of Croydon, the then Concessionaires and Importers, the first owner was a retired Publisher, Mr A J Cramp, who owned the vehicle until 1975 when he passed away. Ownership subsequently transferred to good friend and long-term custodian, Mr John Hodge, who kept the car for almost 30 years before selling to renowned vehicle collector, Mr Wesley Shah of Perth, Scotland in 2004. Here, it formed part of an amazing collection including a rare Peugeot 203 Convertible before being sold to Dr Nicholas John Bell in 2010. Dr Bell enjoyed the car immensely covering 10,000 miles of the 36,055 indicated. The final drive was following the Mille Miglia where the car performed faultlessly and received much admiration.

The history file includes the original Peugeot wallet containing the 404 Convertible Petrol Injection instruction book, service centre guide and the original stamped service booklet. Furthermore, the history file holds letters and notes between owners, detailing the cars history and even an old photograph in the original colour of silver. There are many invoices, and receipts as well as previous MOT certificates and workshop manuals. Needless to say, this truly elegant and stunning classic Peugeot is an extremely rare find, even more so in RHD. An amazing addition to even the best car collections.